offcampus.georgetown.edu

Parties & Noise

Hosting noisy parties, or making excessive noise in the streets, in your home, or in your friends' homes can really cost you. Violating the D.C. Noise Ordinance could lead to arrest, citation and a $300 fine. Officers may choose to give you a warning instead of the actual citation, but don't risk it!

If a student decides to appeal the citation, goes to court, and loses the appeal, the student will receive a misdemeanor offense on their record. Students who pay the fine will have no appearance of the citation on their permanent records.

Off campus students who receive a warning, fine, or other MPD citation can expect a call from the Office of Off Campus Student Life to discuss the incident that resulted in police action. The office reviews alleged violations of university regulations and local laws and ordinances and, when appropriate, the university may issue its own sanctions. See the Student Code of Conduct for relevant information.

Alcohol

• In accordance with D.C. law, it is unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol.
• It is illegal for anyone (regardless of age) to possess an open alcohol container in public spaces, which include sidewalks, front steps, and front porches. The Metropolitan Police Department actively enforces the open container rule in West Georgetown - if you are caught violating the law, you could face a night in jail.
• MPD and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission rigorously enforce the alcohol laws and patrol local bars in an effort to curb underage drinking in establishments in the Georgetown area.